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MESSAGE
FROM THE CHAIRPERSON/CO-ORDINATOR
Dear Friends
We are halfway through the year! As always it has been full and interesting
for us.
You will see from the Highlights from the Annual Report that things are indeed growing.
And “Looking Ahead” there are a number of events coming up for which you will find
notice in this newsletter.
The Remembrance Service in March was beautiful, and thanks again go to our wonderful
team of leaders, singers and musicians, and special thanks to Heather for organising
this Service.
The establishing of the Cherish Network is very exciting and gives opportunity
for us to join with other support groups to share experiences and resources in our
sphere. This feels like a breakthrough in having abortion loss acknowledged as a
valid loss for women, men and families.
I would like to thank Vicki Culling for her approach and for those at the meeting
for their openness and responsiveness to me and my sharing about P.A.T.H.S. and
our work. I was humbled and moved by every person there who shared about their group
for there was a sense of understanding in the room of the reality of what pregnancy,
baby and infant losses are like and can mean for people and their lives. It is good
to have somewhere to be able to speak about these things, as often ‘out there’ there
is little recognition or allowance for the grief and change that comes from these
deep and personal experiences. It is wonderful to see so many genuine caring people
willing to support others.
The After Abortion Forum is a first for us and a first for Christchurch.
The idea came from some sharing at a recent Post-Abortion Seminar in Gisborne and
we thought it might be worth a try. One of our problems has been how to challenge
the taboo around talking about abortion and post-abortion experiences and how to
make it okay for people to come forward for help. Raising awareness is key, but
also providing a safe place to share and for people to realise they are not alone,
is necessary. We hoped the Remembrance Services might do that, but they do not appear
to be enough or to attract the interest. How do we reach and support people who
may be wondering if the problems they are now experiencing and the emotions they
may be having may be connected to a recent or past abortion?
Interest can only be generated if enough people care and are willing to go out of
their way to help. If you know anyone who has had an abortion a personal invitation
and offer to accompany them to one or other P.A.T.H.S. event could be good.
If you know anyone who is involved in the health or counselling areas then it would
be great if you could support our efforts by mentioning the upcoming events to them
suggesting this is an issue that we need to have more understanding about in order
to respond to the needs of those who may be hurting or experiencing difficulties
after an abortion.
You could also help by placing flyers on noticeboards in your area, or placing notices
in your church or community newsletters.
We thank you sincerely for your support without which we can do nothing.
Warm peace and blessings to you and yours
Carolina Gnad
ABOUT THE POST-ABORTION TRAUMA HEALING SERVICE
· Healing
facilitation -
we provide trained, empathetic, non-judgemental counselling-support for women and
men who have lost a child through abortion, either recent or in the past, offering
facilitation through a proven 10 Step Programme, based on Biblical values and principles.
The programme used is the Post Abortion Syndrome
Recovery Programme, entitled "My Abortion Guilt Grief and Shame is Ending
Soon" developed by Victims of Choice in the USA and is suited to both those of a
Christian faith or philosophy and those not.
· Facilitation
training -
we offer training in post-abortion recovery to counsellors, therapists, social workers,
clergy and chaplains, doctors, pastoral care people....
· Newsletter
& resources -
we produce a biannual newsletter and have some post-abortion resources available,
which are available on request. Much of the information on this site is available
in our (draft) booklet "The After Effects of Abortion - Including Post Abortion
Stress", which is available for $NZ5.00 plus postage and handling. Please
contact us if you would like to be placed on our mailing list or would like
a copy / copies of our booklet.
· Education
and outreach -
one of our main aims is to educate people about the reality of post-abortion stress.
We offer “Hope for the Hurting” presentations, which present and explore
the possible physical. pschological and spiritual effects of abortion. As well as
providing information to professional health and allied-health groups, or community
groups and churches, these presentations serve as an opportunity for those adversely
affected by abortion to avail themselves of help.
· Remembrance-Healing
services -
we assist churches or groups willing to host these services and have developed a
sensitive uplifting combined remembrance-healing service for all those who have
experienced pregnancy loss, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death,
induced labour for foetal abnormality or abortion. (See P.A.T.H.S. Events section
below for date of next remembrance-healing service).
· Support
groups - we
support the initiative of support groups in the community e.g. PASSAGE run
by the Spreydon Baptist Church in Christchurch, and will develop our own within
P.A.T.H.S. if the need arises. We would also like to see support groups for men
directly or indirectly affected by abortion. Attempts so far to set up a MABA (Men
Affected by Abortion) Group have not met with success for want of a
male facilitator willing to be trained in post-abortion issues for men, and participants.
In other countries men who have lost children through abortion and those living
with a post-aborted woman are beginning to share their experiences in counselling
and support settings and we believe it could be worthwhile here too.
· FRIENDS
of P.A.T.H.S. -
when people make a donation (of $10 or more) in support of our work they
automatically join F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of P.A.T.H.S. and receive our biannual
newsletter and notices about any of our special activities. Occasionally some of
our FRIENDS may volunteer to assist at gatherings, particularly in welcoming and
hospitality roles.
· Prayer
Network - we
have a network of groups who pray for the needs of the organisation, and a network
of individual prayer partners who pray for people going through the recovery programme.
Due to the nature and depth of the healing work this kind of spiritual cover is
invaluable. Clients, even non-Christian clients appreciate being supported and uplifted
spiritually in this way.
· Networking
with other agencies or groups - we network with individuals and groups who are involved in the post-abortion
and related fields of research or ministry both in New Zealand and overseas. Issues
facing post-aborted women and men are universal.
·
Longer Term Goals
- Publication of information
booklet and distribution to education and health facilities
- Training of facilitators/counsellors
in all the main centers
- National Conference
- Memorial site in cemetery
or park
- MABA (Men Affected
by Abortion) Group
· Charitable
Trust - The
P.A.T.H.S. Charitable Trust was constituted in December 1997, in Christchurch, New
Zealand. P.A.T.H.S. is TOTALLY reliant on DONATIONS / GRANTS. Concern over
financial viability remains an issue. We have been fortunate to date to receive
a few significant grants from a private trust and various donations from individuals
and groups supportive of our work, without which we would not exist or be able to
provide a service. If you would like to make a contribution small or large
please send a cheque or money order to our postal
address or if preferred an regular automatic payment can be arranged.
·
P.A.T.H.S. Team - We are interested in hearing from people who may wish to become involved
in some way.
It
makes a difference
As
the old man walked the beach at dawn,
he noticed a young man ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the
sea.
Catching up with the youth, he asked him why he was doing this.
The answer was that the stranded starfish would die if left until the morning sun.
But the beach goes on for miles and there are millions of starfish countered the
other.
How can your effort make any difference?
The young man looked at the starfish in his hand and threw it to the safety of the
waves.
It makes a difference to this one, he said.
Part-time
Promotions & Community Liaison Person
We are looking for an outgoing,
suitably skilled person to help with administration and promoting P.A.T.H.s. in
the community
Key Tasks:
- Help plan and implement promotion strategies
- Networking with health sector & community groups
- Collect & help with correspondence
- Check phone messages
- Newsletter mailout
You need to have good people skills, your own
computer and transport, ability to work independently from home and as part of a
team. This is a contract position $20 per hour for 5-6 hours per week initially.
Work hours flexible.
For more information contact Carolina 980 4589 or email
carolina@postabortionpaths.org.nz
Come make a difference!
P.A.T.H.S. Events
We would like to hear
from churches who might wish to host a remembrance service or community groups
in Christchurch or other centers, who might be interested in our coming to speak
about post-abortion stress and healing, or people who are interested in a training
weekend on post-abortion recovery.
EVENTS
TO BE HELD IN 2008
Wednesday 3 September
at 7.30 pm
AFTER ABORTION FORUM, CHRISTCHURCH
Many women and men are shamed
into silence following an abortion. The shame is that we don’t talk about it.
The
loss and trauma of abortion is under-recognised. Abortion loss is neither socially
recognised or supported. The trauma associated with an abortion may sink into the
unconscious only to surface months, years or even decades later.
This forum is for
you if you have been impacted by abortion, or are interested in issues of abortion
loss and trauma. The After Abortion Forum is a space to share stories and explore
abortion and post-abortion experiences.
Venue: Campbell Centre, 44 Bealey Ave, Christchurch
This is the first forum of this kind in Christchurch. It will be facilitated by
Joan Blatchford with the team from P.A.T.H.S. For more details email
carolina@postabortionpaths.org.nz
Friday September 19 -
Saturday September 20
POST ABORTION SEMINAR, CHRISTCHURCH
Abortion trauma is not well recognized. Many post-aborted women, and men, suffer
in silence, with the stigma, pain and shame of what was supposed to be a benign
procedure. Their stories need to be heard. The healing journey after an abortion
is unique to the individual but there are key issues that need to be understood
and worked through. This seminar offers insights into post-abortion issues and offers
steps for a recovery process to equip you to accompany someone on their journey
to wholeness after abortion
This seminar is suitable
for counsellors, social workers, pastors and ministers and pastoral care teams,
nurses, doctors... and anyone interested in postabortion issues and healing.
Venue: Petersgate Counselling Centre,
29 Yaldhurst Rd, Christchurch
Tuesday 21 October at
7.30pm
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE, CHRISTCHURCH
A peaceful prayerful gathering
for women and families who’ve experienced any form or Pregnancy or Abortion Loss
Have you yourself or do you know someone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth,
induced labour, neo-natal death or abortion?
This service is a specially focused quiet and uplifting time for mothers and families
to remember your little one who died. Bring a friend or support person and invite
others to come too.
An opportunity to remember and name little ones who died too early....
Venue: Linwood Baptist Church,
Cnr Worcester St and Linwood Ave, Christchurch
For more details email carolina@postabortionpaths.org.nz
EVENTS ALREADY HELD IN 2008
Saturday March
15 at 7pm
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE, CHRISTCHURCH
A peaceful prayerful gathering
for women and families who’ve experienced any form or Pregnancy or Abortion Loss
Venue: La Vida Centre, North West New Life Church
34A Hansons Lane, Riccarton, Christchurch
EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2007
Friday November
2 - Saturday November 3
POST ABORTION SEMINAR, CHRISTCHURCH
Abortion trauma is
not well recognized. Many post-aborted women, and men, suffer in silence, with the
stigma, pain and shame of what was supposed to be a benign procedure. Their stories
need to be heard. The healing journey after an abortion is unique to the individual
but there are key issues that need to be understood and worked through. This seminar
offers insights into post-abortion issues and offers steps for a recovery process
to equip you to accompany someone on their journey to wholeness after abortion.
This seminar is suitable
for counsellors, social workers, pastors and ministers and pastoral care teams,
nurses, doctors... and anyone interested in postabortion issues and healing.
Venue: Cashmere New Life Church, 30 Colombo Street (hills end), Christchurch
Tuesday FEBRUARY
13th - Remembrance Service :
A peaceful prayerful gathering, a special time to “remember” little ones who died
through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, induced labour or abortion.....
Tuesday 13 February: 7.30pm
Venue: Linwood Baptist Church, corner of Worcester Street and Linwood Avenue,
Christchurch
Friday FEBRUARY
9th - Radio Broadcast :
We invite you and your friends to hear a programme we have prepared for the radio.
This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share about P.A.T.H.S. and what we offer.
Radio Station: Plains FM96.9
EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2006
19 SEPTEMBER - P.A.T.H.S.
GATHERING - CHRISTCHURCH
We are overdue for
a get together of all who are part of & support the work of P.A.T.H.S. and those
who would like to meet us & share the VISION.
This will be an informal affair - we will talk about what’s been happening and the
growing VISION for P.A.T.H.S. and we will share some light refreshments.
Tuesday 19 September: 8.00pm start
Venue: Avebury House, Evelyn Cousins Ave, Christchurch.
9-10 SEPTEMBER - Post
Abortion Seminar - CHRISTCHURCH :
Abortion trauma is
not well recognized. Many post-aborted women, and men, suffer in silence, with the
stigma, pain and shame of what was supposed to be a benign procedure. Their stories
need to be heard. The healing journey after an abortion is unique to the individual
but there are key issues that need to be understood and worked through. This seminar
offers insights into post-abortion issues and offers steps for a recovery process
to equip you to accompany someone on their journey to wholeness after abortion.
This seminar is suitable
for counsellors, social workers, pastors and ministers and pastoral care teams,
nurses, doctors... and anyone interested in postabortion issues and healing.
Venue: Avebury
House, Evelyn Cousins Ave, Christchurch.
19-20 AUGUST - Post
Abortion Seminar - WELLINGTON :
Training for medical
and counselling professionals, pastoral people, social workers .... in post abortion
issues and looking at the recovery process used by P.A.T.H.S.
Saturday 19 August: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Sunday 20 August: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Tuesday FEBRUARY
28th - Remembrance Service :
A peaceful prayerful gathering, a special time to “remember” little ones who died
through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, induced labour or abortion.....
Tuesday 28 February: 7.30pm
Venue: Linwood Baptist Church, corner of Worcester Street and Linwood Avenue,
Christchurch
EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2005
30 SEPTEMBER - 1 OCTOBER
- Post Abortion Seminar - AUCKLAND :
Training for medical
and counselling professionals, pastoral people, social workers .... in post abortion
issues and looking at the recovery process used by P.A.T.H.S.
Friday 30 September: 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Saturday 1 October: 9.00am - 5.30pm
Venue: Ferndale House, New North Road, Mt Albert.
17-18 JUNE - Post Abortion
Seminar - CHRISTCHURCH :
Training for medical
and counselling professionals, pastoral people, social workers .... in post abortion
issues and looking at the recovery process used by P.A.T.H.S.
Friday 17 June: 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Saturday 18th June: 9.00am - 6.00pm
Venue: Campbell Centre (Presbyterian Support Services) 46 Bealey Ave, Christchurch.
Tuesday JULY 5th -
Remembrance Service :
A peaceful prayerful gathering, a special time to “remember” little ones who died
through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, induced labour or abortion.....
Tuesday 5 July: 7.30pm
Venue: Papanui Baptist Church, 144 Sawyers Arms Road, Christchurch
EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2004
29-30 OCTOBER - Post
Abortion Seminar - NELSON :
Training for medical and counselling professionals, pastoral people, social workers
.... in post abortion issues and looking at the recovery process used by P.A.T.H.S.
Monday OCTOBER 4th
- Remembrance Service :
A gathering for those who have experienced any form of pregnancy loss, including
abortion.
Friday MARCH 2nd -
Enterprise Meeting :
This will be a gathering of those involved and with an interest in P.A.T.H.S. to
determine support and discern the future of P.A.T.H.S.
For more details or expressions of interest contact Carolina (03) 379 7710
TRAINING &
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
We are hoping to organise both a training event and a remembrance service this
year. Watch this space!
EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2003
MAY 2003:
Friday 3rd May, 7.00 - 9.00pm "Hope for the Hurting"
A presentation on the possible physical, psychological and spiritual effects of
abortion.
Saturday 4th May, 9.00am - 5.00pm "Ten Steps for Post-Abortion Recovery"
A proven programme to help uncover giref and address personal post-abortion
related issues.
MARCH 2003:
Sunday 31 March, 7.30pm Remembrance-Healing Service
A prayerful uplifting time for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss, whether
through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, induced labour for foetal abnormality
and abortion. A time to remember and name babies who have died.
Venue: St Ambrose Church, 309 Breezes Road, Bexley, Christchurch
EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN 2002
NOVEMBER 2002
Wednesday 13th November, Catholic Women's League, Hoon Hay
Gave a talk at this group of local church women about the possible effects of
abortion, the steps of recovery and services available.
SEPTEMBER 2002:
Thursday 26th - Sunday 29th, Family Life International Conference,
We spoke about counselling the post-abortive woman on the Friday at the Family Life
International Conference. For a taped copy of the talk please contact Colleen
Bayer, Director, Family Life International, PO Box 56423, Auckland 1030, New Zealand,
Phone (09) 638 8101
JULY 2002:
Monday 1st, NZAC Canterbury Forum,
7.45pm, Oxford Terrace Baptist Church (cnr Oxford Terrace and Madras Streets)
A "Hope for the Hurting" for counsellors - information and discussion on the possible
physical, psychological and spiritual effects of abortion.
Friday 19th, NZAC Canterbury $10 Day,
9.00am - 5.00pm, Venue to be confirmed depending on numbers.
A seminar on post-abortion recovery for counsellors, following on from the Forum.
Covers the 10 Step Post-Abortion Syndrome Recovery Programme that P.A.T.H.S. uses.
JUNE 2002:
Thursday 20th, Annual General Meeting,
7.30pm, 148A Lichfield Street, Christchurch.
MARCH 2002: SOUTHLAND TOUR
We visited Invercargill.
The tour included a presentation to the Southland Medical Foundation, Invercargill,
training of a few facilitators in the post-abortion recovery programme and a "Hope
for the Hurting" at the Cornerstone New Life Church.
We would like to hear from churches or community groups in Christchurch or
other centers, who might be interested in our coming to speak about post-abortion
stress and healing, or people who are interested in a training weekend on post-abortion
recovery.
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